On the plane I was reading about China and learned that Zongguo / 中国 the Chinese word for China means Middle Kingdom. The name originated in the ancient days from the belief that China lay at the centre of the earth. I have also come across a saying that the name comes from the Chinese view that their culture & habits are superior from others'. Well, after experiencing both Chinese culture & habits in the big city of Shanghai on close hands (often to close), I don't know about that... But it may be referring to a comparison between the culture & habits of the Chinese and the "barbarians" who lived on the other side of the Chinese Wall back in the days. Then it probably makes sense.

China has such a fascinating history and culture and I can't wait to explore it. Both through my Chinese studies at Jia Tong University and by traveling around the different provinces. As mentioned in my last post me & my man already have two trips planned: a long weekend trip to Putuoshan a buddhist island in the Zhejiang province on the East coast and a one week's trip to the lake-city Kunming in the Yunnan province in the south of China. Suggestions for other trips or places to visit in China will be received with a kissed hand as we say in Danish ("med kyshånd"). It is a funny expression right? It refers to an old tradition where one kisses his/hers own hand before handing it to someone to show gratitude and appreciation.

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present